Website helps unemployed military members, vets find work

WASHINGTON – As the nation struggles with high unemployment, service members and veterans in search of work are getting some help from an organization that says it can help with critical services the military doesn’t provide.

Hero 2 Hired introduces reservists, service members and vets to businesses that want to put them to work.

It has more than 100,000 businesses nationwide looking to hire service members and vets, according to spokesman Sean O’Donnell. The companies range from big corporations to small mom-and-pop operations, he says.

Database searches can be categorized by geography or specialty. The website also offers social networking and advice.

O’Donnell says the site can help with “interview tips, resume building, and how to network. All the basic things the military doesn’t teach vets how to do.”

There also are online, virtual career fairs where vets can hunt for jobs from the comfort of their homes.

O’Donnell says veterans need to have honorable discharges. Military spouses are welcome, too.

Companies that sign up to join the Hero 2 Hired website will have their job openings listed and updated on the site automatically.

The website is sponsored by the Office of the Secretary of Defense as a “Reserve Affairs Initiative” to get service members and vets re-employed.